Sarah Gardner {ART BLOG}

Renaissence Texture Giveaway

2012-02-06T02:52:00.000-08:00

P A P E R H E A R T S

Renaissance Textures {Tiny Sparrow Foundation}

EXTENDED.....Sunday 19th. {$3 donation download only}

PAPER HEARTS {Making Valentines mean more than just candy}

This Valentines I'm offering you the chance to download a ten textures from the Renaissance Texture Collection for a small charitable donation of just $3. (funds raised go to the Tiny Sparrow Foundation)

NEW to processing your photography with textures then be sure to take a look at my new book . ART BEYOND THE LENS, {Working with Digital Textures} available to pre order via Amazon now. Take a look at my book here available from 1st May 2012.

All images are processed using Renaissance Textures from the Donation Giveaway Collection.

10 Textures for just $3 DONATE & DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

T I N Y S P A R R O W F O U N D A T I O N

The photographers working with the Tiny Sparrow Foundation are amazingly strong and giving individuals. They offer and provide such an everlasting gift to families that will forever appreciate the value for photography. Find out why they're so amazing. Pay them a visit, make a donation.

Terms & Conditions:
Donations are inclusive of Paypal & Payloadz fees of $0.75 per transaction. The total funds per transaction made payable to Tiny Sparrow Foundation will be $2.25.

If you've never worked with Textures before and want to have a go you can try 4 Artisan Bonus textures to get you started. Visit my website here for more information: FREE TRY ME TEXTURES

MY NEW BOOK

2012-01-27T03:22:00.000-08:00

YES....finally welcome to my Book!

I'm so thrilled to finally be able to share this exciting news, from the 1st May this year you'll be able to own your very own copy my beautiful new book published by Focal Press.

Find out more via Amazon.

Available from 1st May 2012 (UK & USA). You can pre order your copy via Amazon now.

Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

And a special thanks....

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Focal Press for their months of hard work as well as fellow photographer Eva Ricci for her help as technical editor. Thank you everyone for making this dream a possibility.....I can't wait to get my advanced copy in March.

The Professional Photographer of the Year Awards 2011

2012-01-25T01:36:00.000-08:00

Having a go...I thought I would enter a few images this year, fingers crossed! If you're interested in entering then check it out, but hurry final submission date is Friday 27th Jan 2012. Free to enter and open to all digital photographers world wide....go on have a go too.

See competition

View my entries

Valentines Giveaway

2012-01-24T04:07:00.000-08:00

Give a little extra for Valentines......

Together we can make Valentines count for more than just candy!

Valentines Giveaway 6th ~ 14th February

I NEED YOUR HELP.....because this time I'm going to ask you to help me nominate the Charity!

Comment & Share

Please post a comment on my Facebook 'CHARITY NOMINATIONS' Tab to nominate the charity of your choice, a resisted Charity will be selected by the 4th February 2012.

Terms & Conditions:

Charities must be a genuine and be officially registered. They must have an online presence and donation facilities. The final notation will be minus online hosting and payment fees. Sarah Gardner Photography has the right to withdraw this activity or reassign raised notations to another legal reasons permit. Sarah Gardner Photography reserves all rights.

Can you be serious for just a minute!

2012-01-23T04:35:00.000-08:00

I'm often asked how I manage to capture images of children that look natural, relaxed and altogether calm. Parents are often terrified that their little darlings will behave like, well children, in front of the camera. The funny thing is children, just like grown ups, tend to act a little silly in front of the camera, suddenly being asked to act natural is the hardest thing in the world! They can't remember how to smile or what their face does when they aren't thinking about it! It's very amusing yet at the same time perhaps a little frustrating. Every child today knows that a camera takes pictures, and whats more they know they can instantly see the picture. I have lost count of how many times I've had to stop and show a playback. I certainly don't take it too seriously, you can't when your working with children, you have to play the game and make them feel as relaxed as possible so they eventually give you that 'look' your after.

Now my two little gems have certainly had a fair amount of time in front of my camera. They have cameras of their own and are no stranger to taking hundreds of snap shot (thank goodness for the digital age). But they too have days when they make me work for the perfect shot. Without a doubt it's the 'lets have one together' shot that causes the most problems. Here is one such attempt from last summer, I promised I would post this glimps into what actually happens in front of my camera. In the end I opted for the top middle image, but the real magic of this image is in the shots that proceeded and followed it.

The entire experience has its value. One image on its own, taken out of context can come to mean and represent something very different from the reality of the situation it was taken in. Some of the worlds more famous photographs have taught us that, but perhaps there is a little 'truth' for us all when we look at the bigger picture. As a photographer I'm after that 'one shot', but as a mother I want to remember the experience, the way my children interact with each other, the way their personalities play out through these images.

Photographing children is twofold and the key, like with all good photography, is in knowing who your audience is. These shots won't make it into my portfolio but they will make it onto the walls of my home!

Friendship

2012-01-23T03:27:00.000-08:00

Natural light / reflector / 50mm 1.4mm {Original posted in October 2010}

Hellebore

2012-01-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

Posted on Flickr....I actually took this shot three years ago and recently editted in using one of my favourite English Manor textures {Landscape}. I have always loved the hidden beauty and dusty tones of Hellebore, yet they face downwards and often go completely unnoticed. Have a great weekend, Sx

Click on image to view on Flickr

Dickens Inspired {Part II}

2012-01-08T02:33:00.000-08:00

I adore vintage dress and costume, the idea of playing dress up and creating a 'look' which conveys a narrative that dominates my personal portrait work. I aspire to go beyond what my camera alone can achieve and use digital textures in my processing to strengthen an images story. Personal photographic projects like this one, allow me to take my work to a more personal and intuitive level. Adding textures enables me to create truly unique works of photographic art that combine my skills as both a photogarpher and a Fine Art painter.

Here I wanted to create a diversity between the implied grandeur and the soft deterioration that textures imply. Processed using {English Manor's ~ Landscape Texture} and {English Manors ~ Sunday's Chair Texture} I was able to apply soft ghost like grain with contrasting stronger impressions.

See full collection of textures here.

This beautiful vintage Top hat was purchased in Carnaby Street, London in the 1980's. The true age of the hat is unknown but it's an original Christys Top Hat . It's sized for a child and according to the name embroidered inside it originally belonged to a Jes Armstrong.

DICKENS INSPIRED

2012-01-04T03:06:00.000-08:00

How I dream of getting my hands on the BBC's costume department, just adoring the revival in Victorian style gracing our screens at the moment.

Top and bottom images processed with 'Landscape' Texture from my English Manor Texture Collection. ...more to come on this theme I'm sure. Sx

Happy New Year ~ 2012

2012-01-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

I purchased my first digital SLR in 2008 and haven't looked back since. I've been fortunate in rediscovering my passion for photography at a stage in my life when it has been possibly for me to fully engage and develop my art. 2012 is set to be a milestone year, in many ways, both personally and as I continue to pursue my goal in establishing myself as a photographic artist.

Whatever your goals and dreams for the forthcoming year I wish you every success and a little more. Happy wishes for 2012. Sx

2011-12-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to share my 1st commissioned blog post. Written for the Mastering Photography Blog, in conjunction with Focal Press I have shared a my personal thoughts about the role photography holds for me at this festive time of year. To read the full post please click here.

Merry Christmas everyone...Sx

Christmas is on its way........

2011-11-28T01:12:00.000-08:00

View on Flickr

{CHRISTMAS GIFT}

2011-11-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

It's that wonderful time of year again and for the last three years I have offered the gift of a free download. This year I debated whether to give you papers or templates! After a play I decided Templates where much more fun, and more convenient, when we are all so busy. I hope I have taken the hard work out of the design process for you with these pretty, Victorianna inspired Templates. They make great gift tags or e-cards, they are a fun way to show of some of the years favorite snaps.

Exclusive to FACEBOOK

{NEW} Website

2011-11-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

A brand new website showcasing my Texture & Paper Designs.

Take me there......

I will still be running this blog to keep you up to date with the latest projects, product releases and other very exciting news for 2012.

Look out for your Christmas gift coming soon Exclusively to Facebook Fans.

BIG HEART FELT THANKYOU

2011-11-01T02:22:00.000-07:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of you for your support and participation over the last three weeks.

In the 1st week of my Big Giveaway there was the added option of downloading my giveaway Artisan Bonus Textures for just $2. This was a voluntary donation to raise money for The Mental Health Foundation (MHF). 71 of you contributed and together we raised $142. (about £90).

To everyone of you who donated I would like to say a very special thank you. It has meant a great deal to me that I have been able to facilitate this additional fundraising for the MHF.

Love and best wishes to you all, Sarah x

MY BIG GIVEAWAY

2011-10-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Big congratulations to Andrea Hurley, whose comment number Random.org selected!

CLOSED: CLOSED: CLOSED : CLOSED: CLOSED

One winner will win everything! Worth $240

RULES TO ENTER
'Like' my Facebook page, then return here to leave a comment! (Be sure to use your Facebook name so that I can contact if you win!, alternatively leave an email address)

If you already like my Facebook page, then I'm thrilled, so simply leave a comment, remember you can increase your chances of winning by helping me spread the word!

WIN WIN WIN
Increase your chances of winning by leaving a NEW comment for every action you take!
Multiply Comments:

1) Share this giveaway by posting my Facebook Page to your Facebook profile.

2) Share this giveaway by posting my Facebook Page to professional Facebook page!

3) Blog me! Post on link to my Facebook page on your blog, forum, or website.

4) Join my Flickr Group and share your work.

5) Post on other Flickr Groups, directing others to my Facebook Page.

6) Tweet about my Facebook page.

Good luck everyone ~ closing date is the 31st October

Take a look at the full ARTISAN Texture set, and remember to use your 10% discount code! 95317894

Terms & Conditions
Competition running from 10th October - 31st October
Winning entry will be selected at random and posted on the 2nd November 2011.
Sarah Gardner photography reserves all rights and may withdraw this promotion at any time without notice. Multiple entries, that have failed to follow the fore mentioned rules, will be disqualified. Maximum of 6 entries per individual only. Winning entry must be able to provide proof of entry criteria if required to do so. Winning entree must be an individual and not a business. Digital Artistry goods are not for resale or distribution.

BEYOND THE BLACK & WHITE

2011-10-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

Processed with ARTISAN Textures Prep I & Paintwash III

Why limit yourself to just black and white conversions when tinting can take your conversions to another level!

{SOFTLY SPOKEN}

"As if her voice were like an enchanted whisper, all the troubling sounds in my head faded into peace". Unknown

Inspired by the softness and tonality of vintage Victorian photography.

NEW ARTISAN TEXTURE SET

2011-09-20T07:42:00.001-07:00

After a summer of waiting I'm so thrilled to have completed my new ARTISAN Texture set. This set will include 40 amazing Textures that will bring creativity and artistic expression to your digital photography.....more details to follow!

....................

To launch this set I have asked a couple of amazing photographers to help me by processing some of their own work and sharing the results.

I'm looking for one more Tester! If you're interested please leave a comment with a link to some of your textured photography, I will select my final Tester next week! Good luck everyone! SG

Prettiness is.......

2011-09-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Flowers from the garden......

I'm so excited about the new set of Textures I'm working on. There has been an unexpected delay in their release due to another exciting project I have been working on all summer! However Artisan will be available very soon, I promise...Sx

Processed with Textures from English Manor and the soon to be released Artisan.

Whatever you're doing today....add a little prettiness Sx

{Artisan} Mini Portrait Collection

2011-06-27T04:28:00.000-07:00

Digital Artistry {NEW Vintage Ink Stamps}

2011-05-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so thrilled to be offering these original 1930's Ink Stamp Illustrations. They are nostagic, sweet & oh so whimsical. Use them to bring that extra personal touch to your photographic presentation, whether its marketing material , client albums, card designs or just to add a touch of style to your logo. They are fun and so each to use.

How to Use
Each file is a JPEG file (not a .psd file). Simply open the Ink Stamp you wish to use and drag in across onto your presentation piece (or alternatively /select / all / copy / close / paste). Position and size your ink stamp according to your design work and then simple change the blend mode from Normal to Multiply to make the Ink Stamps white background transparent.

$30 {17 Vintage Ink Stamps Only} (USD) Approximately £19.50)

Full Terms and Conditions of Sale apply 2011

INTRODUCING MINI STORYBOARD TAGS

Further details HERE

Child

2011-05-06T02:07:00.000-07:00

Click on image to view via Flickr

I adore this photograph of my daughter. It was taken a couple of years ago when she was still very much a 'spirited' toddler! It wasn't planned like this at all, just one of those moments taken in between shots for another project. It truly speaks volumes to me! I love shots like this! The quiet moments in between living! Serene moments when a child simply forgets to be a 'child, a daughter, or a sister! When they forget to be anything but themselves! Pure and unconditional. This is where hope lives, in the eyes of our children and I was fortunate enough to capture it. The power of photography is truly humbling.

English Manor {NEW} Texture Set

2011-04-25T02:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome, I hope you all had an amazing Easter. I would like to thank the 80 people who registered for my Easter Giveaway and a big congratulations to by 10 lucky winners.

I'm now thrilled to release my new set of textures ENGLISH MANOR. Inspired by the worn and rustic elegance of English Heritage these textures produce beautiful effects and work amazingly when layered up together.

Tip: The dark textures blend well using Soft or Overlay blend modes, whilst the light textures are great on Multiply....The best tip I can give anyone is to get creative and find your own style within the mix....have fun Sx

$30 (USD) Approximately £19.50)

More Information: Digital Artistry FAQ

Terms & Conditions Apply

Winners of my English Manor Texture Giveaway

2011-04-22T01:17:00.000-07:00

Winners as selected by Random.org

Jolyn Hutsell
Maria Moore
Charlene
Mariah Milan
Colleen
Mommy Bewley
Anne
Photo's by Zoe
Aunt Tea
Sarah

Big congratulations to you all.

Some of you have been contacted via your published email address, if you don't have a published email address please contact me to receive your free download.

ENGLISH MANOR Texture set will be available from Monday.

Thank you to everyone who joined in. Sx

English Manor {NEW Texture Set}

2011-04-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have been so inspired by recent visits to Stowe Landscape Gardens, Waddesdon Manor and Blenheim Palace that I have extended my NEW and soon to be released English Manor Texture Set.

I have developed six new bonus textures to give you even more creative options, use allow or combine to create the prefect restoration look inspired by English Heritage.

Life {Inspired} Story Board

2011-03-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of a Spring day in the Country.........ah Bliss.

Blossom Heaven

2011-03-30T06:43:00.001-07:00

Take a blossom tree, a couple of good friends, and a mini shoot to capture some of Springs inspiration. The early blossom is almost over and its raining down like snow leaving the footpaths laced with natures confetti.....O I adore a little bit of Blossom Heaven. {For all Mothers just like me....have a great weekend, Happy Mothers Day}

Interview

2011-03-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

Read my Interview with Suzanne Kentish for the Photography Parlour

Thank you Suzanne Sx Please be sure to take a look at Suzanne's Blog

SHABBY Texture Set

2011-03-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand my Shabby Texture set is now available on its own. Originally launched with my Fine Art Papers this amazing mini set is now available to purchase individually, and whats more I've added two new additional Canvas Textures to complete your Shabby Chic look.

Considering the Black & White......
Not all Textures work well on light and dark backgrounds! Its worth having a few great Textures that can work well whatever the dramatic range of your image. This mini set of Shabby Textures has been designed to give you the creative options regardless of your starting point.......as not everything is a straight forward as black and white!

$25 (USD) Approximately £17)

More Information: Digital Artistry FAQ

Terms & Conditions Apply

Introducing the (un) workshop by Savor Photography

2011-03-06T06:17:00.001-08:00

I would like to introduce you to Rachel Durik of Savor Photography! I love her fresh summer style and editing technique.......and whats more shes coming here to the UK this summer!

Rachel will be running just one of her fabulous workshops whilst in the UK so please don't miss out on this opportunity especially at the amazing price of just £300!

Rachel Durik of Savor Photography has been teaching photography workshops around the United States and was even the featured teacher at the I Heart Faces workshop in Dallas. She's now bringing her workshop to the UK! This intensive, full-day workshop will be held in the London area this summer.

Date: Saturday, July 23

Where: The beautiful ground of Haileybury College, just 30 miles north of London

Time: 10am-6pm

Cost: £300, including lunch, On Willow Presets and Rachel's workflow Photoshop actions.

Who: The ideal attendee is an advanced amateur and ready to take it to the next level and go pro, or someone who is newly pro.

What: The Workshop will be an intensive day full of instruction about lighting (flash/studio/natural), shooting techniques, Photoshop and Lightroom training, portfolio building with great models, and networking with other photographers. It’s going to be great! Registration fee must be paid by Paypal. Workshop spots can only be reserved with payment. You’ll take home the goodies from our sponsors, my basic workflow actions for Photoshop and presets for Lightroom, as well as pass to attend three of my online classes for free, so if you forget any of what you learned, you’ll be able to keep it fresh in your mind for months to come!

In order to provide maximum attention to each attendee, spaces are limited!
To register or read more information, go here!

DO WHAT YOU LOVE! {Happy Valentines}

2011-02-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

I'm so thrilled to be launching my Fine Art Wedding & French Inspired Papers on Valentines Day I thought it would be a bit of creative fun to celebrate with another giveaway!

4 NEW Textures to have a play with, *Postcard, *Paint, *White Wash & *Paper II. I have also included *Score, from my Christmas giveaway (I know some of you missed *Score, so its back!)

FREE DOWNLOAD

And if you think this little set is great.....my NEW Shabby Textures are simply gorgeous and will be included with every purchase of my Fine Art Papers from Monday 14th.

{French Inspired} Wedding Papers

2011-02-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

These papers are ideal for using as covers or page backgrounds for digitally printed Wedding Albums or Photo books. They can be used alone or in contrast with each other giving you the creative freedom to design bespoke albums for your clients.

Also included with this set of 24 Papers is the NEW Shabby texture set. These six textures have been designed so give you a little extra creativity, completing a vintage Shabby Chic look.

24 Fine Art Papers

$45

4500 x 4500 px @ 300dpi
Full Terms and Conditions Apply

{French Inspired} Fine Art Papers

2011-02-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

Beautiful French inspired Fine Art papers from Sarah Gardner Photography will be available on Valentines Day {Monday 14th February}

Included with these 24 delightful Fine Art papers are 6 new SHABBY textures. Use them to simply transform any photographic image or your own paper designs, giving you an instant Shabby Chic.

24 French Inspired Fine Art Papers
$45

4500 x 4500 px @ 300dpi

Full terms and Conditions Apply

Coming Soon {French Inspired} Fine Art Papers

2011-02-01T04:35:00.001-08:00

......from Sarah Gardner Photography

If presentation is important to you, your going to adore these French Inspired Fine Art Papers. Using soft pastel shades from Parisian interiors these textured papers can be used on your blog, website, albums, brochures, business cards, marketing material and more.

Get creative and present your photography to its best.

Full collection will be out soon.........Sx

Waiting for Spring

2011-01-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so so looking forward to Spring this year, but for now the ice is thick and when the sun shins its so pretty, like a world covered in glitter.

I have so many plans for 2011 I must start getting my plans into action. Please keep posted for a very exciting years ahead. Sarah x

{PROCESSED: Using a selection of my own Textures}

Sweetest Moment of 2010

2011-01-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

Working as a professional children's photographer I have to have a good sense of humor (and I do.) I have witnessed lots of those adorable funny things children love to do! Like the little lady who wouldn't stop putting her dress over her head to the boy who wouldn't stop singing! Then there was the day I lost my ballet pump to, yes, cow poop whist out shooting in a field! Oh how the children laughed and laughed! I'm alway only too happy to provide the entertainment, but o' what a stinky, sticky mess!

Yes, the actual process isn't always as calm as the finished product. For those of you who photograph children, or have attended a kiddy photo shoot, you'll know exactly what I mean! Somewhere, often surround in much chaos, comes those few moments where it all comes together...before deteriorating again!

From all the mishaps and outtakes of 2010 below is my personal favourite! Only able to speak a few words little Miss L clearly was fed up with me borrowing her favourite puppy to photograph! This belonged to her and in her own way she let me know it!

Far too cute not to share! Happy New Year, Sarah x

Down at the Orchard

2010-11-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

100% Natural Lighting {Studio Portraits}

2010-10-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

Natural light is so utterly beautiful it really is my source of choice. Whether its low sunlight or cold northern light its range can be dramatic! Although I have a range of professional studio lighting I now prefer to use 100% natural light whenever possible.

For this session I used the old 16th century village hall. Its white washed walls, high ceiling and four vast 6ft windows made it perfect. It was a freezing cold day and the old building refused to keep us warm, but my little models didn't mind a bit and together they gave me some beautiful portraits. Here is a mini sample, full post to follow.

Baby Girl {Mini Story Board }

2010-10-15T03:28:00.000-07:00

I have been having a great deal of fun pulling together this Story Board shoots. My head has become full of ideas from using tea cups, cakes, sweets, flags, shoes, knitting, ribbons and vintage toys. The limit seems endless. The magical key to these shoots if over the top staging, thinking bigger, I have been drawing inspiration from commercial shoots. I can't wait to get started on the Christmas cards for this year. yay!

Brother & Sister {Mini Storyborad Shoot}

2010-10-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

We all adore these little Maileg bunnies. We have quite a few now and the children often get them all out and have a play (although they are really meant the be kept special). They are Brothers & Sisters, just like my two. We did have fun pulling this mini shoot together. My daughter is now at the age where she loves finding the right outfit and makes her own contribution to the composition and stlying. Adorable x

The end of the road..............

2010-02-24T00:43:00.000-08:00

I started this blog in 2008 and it was full of all my beautiful work which I had posted on Flickr. Then on the 25th October 2011 Flickr deleted my account, without warning or a good reason!

As you can imagine I was devastated! I had spent four years faithfully uploading my work, sharing with the Flickr community, networking and making friends. I had racked up over 100k visits, 450 contacts, and 35 Testimonials. I learned a lot from Flickr, but sadly in the end, the most valuable lesson they taught was that it could so easily be deleted!

I'm lucky, I have all my work faithfully backed up, but it's scary to think that I could have lost everything! It certainly took its toll on this blog, deleting most of my content.....so this is now were the road sadly ends.

So please......
Back it up & keep it safe.

Sarah x